There is no question that the security and freedom of our nation depends on those men and women who choose to serve in the military. Whether it’s the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, each and every branch plays a vital role in protecting the interests of our nation. The men and women who unselfishly serve are now eligible for unprecedented educational benefits and financial aid under the New GI Bill.

The GI Bill was first enacted under President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944 to help soldiers returning from WW II go to college so they could re-enter the work force after serving in the military during the war. More than two million veterans used the financial aid available to them to go back to school. Having the largest educated work force in the history of the nation led to an unparalleled period of economic prosperity in America.

Today, the men and women in the service are working long and difficult hours to combat the terrorism that has proliferated all over the world since 9/11. That’s why the New GI Bill was enacted in July of 2009. The new bill, called the Post-9/11 GI Bill, was put together to help active duty members who served 90 days or more after September 11, 2001. The purpose of the bill is to provide service members and their families access to educational benefits through grants and scholarships provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

There are various programs that fall under the New GI Bill. For example, the Montgomery Bill provides financial aid to service members who want to participate in independent study programs, or to complete required Continuing Education credits for their jobs. It also provides funding for certain on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs. Some of these programs may be online. The GI Bill covers tuition and fees for online college and university programs the same as a regular university.

If a veteran chooses to attend classes online, it must be with an accredited university or college. The GI Bill does not cover any expenses associated with universities or colleges that are not accredited. Distance classes offer active duty military members the opportunity to continue their education while allowing them the flexibility to continue the important work of the armed forces.

Grants and scholarships for family members of the military are also available through the New GI Bill. There are circumstances in which a military member can transfer his or her benefits to an eligible family member, such as a spouse or child. There are also scholarships available to the children of military members who were killed in the line of duty. One such scholarship is the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. There are many other grants and scholarships available for spouses and children of military members. Spouses and children who are eligible for benefits may also choose to attend online classes, as long as the classes are through an accredited college or university.

The financial aid that is available to veterans under the New GI Bill is unprecedented. Up to $49,000 in benefits may be available. The financial aid that is offered may be used to cover up to 100% of tuition. Depending on eligibility, a veteran may also be eligible for grants that can be used to pay for books, fees, and supplies. The application may be completed online or submitted to your local Veterans Affairs office.

All benefits under the New GI Bill are tax-free. Active duty service members and veterans now have more opportunity than ever before to complete the college degree they’ve been waiting for, especially with the federal grants available. Even if they are stationed overseas, with the financial aid provided by the New GI Bill, military members can enroll in accredited online universities and colleges. Online, going to school for a military member has never been easier.

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